Hundreds of Nigerian refugees, some of whom had lived in exile for over 11 years, returned home from the Republic of Cameroon on Wednesday under the coordination of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The repatriation exercise, described by the military as “safe, dignified, and orderly,” marks a significant milestone in the ongoing stabilization efforts in Borno State. The returnees were moved from the Minawawu camp in Cameroon through the Kirawa border crossing to a reception center in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area.
Security and Synergy
The cross-border operation was secured by troops of Sector 1, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, the return was made possible by the “enabling environment created by sustained kinetic operations” intended to restore socio-economic activities in the region.
The process followed established humanitarian protocols, involving the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Borno State Government, and international bodies including the UNHCR and IOM.
Government Reception and Support
A high-level state delegation, led by Engineer Wakilbe on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, met the returnees at Maraban Kirawa. They were joined by Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, who oversaw the safe escort of the families to the Pulka reception center.
Upon arrival, over 100 households were registered and provided with immediate relief, including:
- Financial assistance, clothing, and mattresses from the Borno State Government.
- Food supplies from the Federal Government.
- Cash grants from the UNHCR to assist with temporary housing.
Health and Next Steps
The returnees are currently undergoing comprehensive medical screenings. Military medical personnel and Gwoza Local Government health officials are also administering routine immunizations to children among the group.
The Theatre Command confirmed the operation was hitch-free, noting that while the security environment remains “calm but fluid,” troops maintain high operational readiness. The government delegation is expected to return to Cameroon shortly to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian citizens.